JP2013533319A - Treatment of diabetes with pancreatic endocrine precursor cells - Google Patents

Abstract

  The present invention provides a method of lowering an animal's blood glucose level by transplanting a population of pancreatic endocrine precursor cells into the animal.

Description

(Cross-reference of related applications)
This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 61 / 373,109, filed Aug. 12, 2010, which is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes. It is to be used.

(Field of Invention)
The present invention provides a method of lowering an animal's blood glucose level by transplanting a population of pancreatic endocrine precursor cells into the animal.

  Advances in cell replacement therapy for type I diabetes and the lack of transplantable islets of Langerhans have attracted attention to the development of a source of insulin producing cells, i.e., beta cells, suitable for engraftment. One approach is to generate functional β cells from, for example, pluripotent stem cells such as embryonic stem cells.

  In vertebrate embryogenesis, pluripotent cells produce a group of cells that contain three germ layers (ectodermal, mesoderm, and endoderm) in a process known as gastrulation. For example, tissues such as thyroid, thymus, pancreas, intestine, and liver are expressed through an intermediate stage from the endoderm. An intermediate step in this process is the formation of definitive endoderm. Definitive endoderm cells express many markers such as HNF3β, GATA4, MIXL1, CXCR4 and SOX17.

  The formation of the pancreas occurs by the differentiation of definitive endoderm into pancreatic endoderm. Pancreatic endoderm cells express the pancreas-duodenal homeobox gene, PDX1. In the absence of PDX1, the pancreas does not develop beyond the formation of ventral and dorsal buds. Thus, PDX1 expression marks an important step in pancreatic organ formation. The mature pancreas contains, among other cell types, exocrine tissue and endocrine tissue. Exocrine and endocrine tissues arise from the differentiation of pancreatic endoderm.

  It has been reported that cells retaining the characteristics of islet cells were derived from mouse embryonic cells. For example, Lumelsky et al. (Science 292: 1389, 2001) report the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into insulin secretory structures similar to islets. Soria et al. (Diabetes 49: 157, 2000) report that insulin-secreting cells derived from mouse embryonic stem cells normalize glycemia in streptozotocin-diabetic mice.

  In one example, Hori et al. (PNAS 99: 16105, 2002) found that treating mouse embryonic stem cells with an inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (LY294002) resulted in cells similar to beta cells. Disclosure.

  In another example, Blyszczuk et al. (PNAS 100: 998, 2003) report the production of insulin producing cells from mouse embryonic stem cells that constitutively express Pax4.

  Micallef et al. Report that retinoic acid can regulate the involvement of embryonic stem cells in the formation of PDX1-positive pancreatic endoderm. Retinoic acid is most effective in inducing PDX1 expression when added to the culture medium on the fourth day of embryonic stem cell differentiation during the period appropriate for the end of gastrulation in the embryo (Diabetes 54: 301, 2005). .

  Miyazaki et al. Report a mouse embryonic stem cell line overexpressing PDx1. Their results indicate that exogenous PDx1 expression clearly increased the expression of insulin, somatostatin, glucokinase, neurogenin 3, p48, Pax6, and Hnf6 genes in the resulting differentiated cells. (Diabetes 53: 1030, 2004).

  Skudy et al. Show that activin A (a member of the TGF-β superfamily) upregulates expression of pancreatic exocrine genes (p48 and amylase) and endocrine genes (PDx1, insulin and glucagon) in mouse embryonic stem cells. Has been reported. The greatest effect was observed using 1 nM activin A. In addition, although the mRNA expression levels of insulin and PDX1 were not affected by retinoic acid, it was found that treatment with 3 nM FGF7 resulted in an increase in the amount of PDx1 transcript (Biochem. J. 379: 749, 2004).

  Shiraki et al. Studied the effects of growth factors that specifically enhance differentiation of embryonic stem cells into PDX1-positive cells. Shiraki et al. Observed that PDGF1-positive cells were obtained with higher reproducibility by TGF-β2 (Genes Cells. 2005 Jun; 10 (6): 503-16).

  Gordon et al. Induced induction of short-tailed malformation [positive] / HNF-3β [positive] endoderm cells from mouse embryonic stem cells in the absence of serum and the presence of activin with a Wnt signaling inhibitor. (US Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0003446 (A1)).

  Gordon et al. (PNAS, Vol 103, p. 16806, 2006) state that “Wnt and TGF-β / Nodal / Activin signaling are simultaneously required for the generation of anterior primitive streak”.

  However, mouse models of embryonic stem cell development may not accurately imitate, for example, development programs in higher mammals such as humans.

  Thomson et al. Isolated embryonic stem cells from human blastocysts (Science 282: 114, 1998). At the same time, Garhart and co-workers derived human embryonic germline (hEG) lines from fetal gland tissue (Shamlott et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95: 13726, 1998). Unlike mouse embryonic stem cells, which can be prevented from differentiating simply by culturing with leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), human embryonic stem cells need to be maintained under very specific conditions (US Pat. No. 6, 200,806, WO 99/20741; WO 01/51616).

  D'Amour et al. Describe the generation of enriched cultures of definitive endoderm from human embryonic stem cells in the presence of high concentrations of activin and low concentrations of serum (Nature Biotechnology 2005). By transplanting these cells under the kidney capsule of mice, differentiation into more mature cells with some endodermal organ characteristics was observed. Definitive endoderm cells induced by human embryonic stem cells can be further differentiated into PDX1-positive cells after addition of FGF-10 (US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0266554 (A1)).

  D'Amour et al. (Nature Biotechnology-24, 1392-1401 (2006)), “Human embryonic stem (hES) cells into endocrine cells capable of synthesizing pancreatic hormones insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, pancreatic polypeptides and ghrelin. "We have developed a differentiation process that transforms." This process mimics pancreatic organ formation in vivo by directing cells to stages similar to definitive endoderm, gut endoderm, pancreatic endoderm and endocrine precursors via cells expressing endocrine hormones .

  In another example, Fisk et al. Report a system that produces islet cells from human embryonic stem cells (US 2006/0040387 (A1)). In this case, the differentiation pathway was divided into three stages. First, human embryonic stem cells were differentiated into endoderm using a combination of sodium butyrate and activin A. The cells are then cultured with a combination of a TGF-β antagonist such as Noggin and EGF or betacellulin to produce PDX1-positive cells. Terminal differentiation was induced by nicotinamide.

  In one example, Benvenistry et al., “We conclude that PDX1 overexpression enhanced the expression of genes commonly found in the pancreas, and inducing the expression of additional signals that exist only in vivo. May be required "(Benventry et al., Stem Cells 2006; 24: 1923-1930).

  In another example, US Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0241107 (A1) includes: a) obtaining a cell that does not produce insulin; and b) a medium that contains a high concentration of glucose and the cell secretes insulin. Claiming a method of producing cells secreting insulin, comprising the step of incubating the cells with.

  Thus, establishing a pluripotent stem cell line that can be expanded to address current clinical needs while maintaining the potential to differentiate into pancreatic endocrine cells, pancreatic hormone-expressing cells, or pancreatic hormone-secreting cells There is still a significant need to develop conditions for doing so. The inventors have taken an alternative approach to improve the efficiency of differentiation of human embryonic stem cells that progress to pancreatic endocrine cells.

  In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of reducing an animal's blood glucose level by transplanting a population of pancreatic endocrine precursor cells into the animal.

Blood glucose level at day 0 in SCID mice transplanted with human ES cells rendered diabetic by five injections of streptozotocin and then differentiated under a kidney capsule (stage 4). Following blood glucose over the next few months revealed that hyperglycemia gradually decreased to pre-diabetic levels. Subsequent kidney removal led to a rapid recurrence of diabetes. Human C-peptide measurements in plasma samples at the indicated weeks after transplantation, showing a gradual increase in proportion to the decrease in blood glucose level. Comparable C-peptide values obtained in recipients of cells transplanted subcutaneously under a kidney capsule or in a TheraCyte device.

  For clarity of disclosure, and not by way of limitation, the detailed description of the invention is divided into the following subsections that illustrate or illustrate appropriate features, embodiments or applications of the invention.

Definitions Stem cells are undifferentiated cells defined by their ability to self-renew and differentiate at the single cell level to produce progeny cells, including self-renewing progenitor cells, non-regenerative progenitor cells, and terminally differentiated cells. Stem cells also give rise to multiple germ layer tissues in vitro, with the ability to differentiate from multiple germ layers (endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm) into functional cells of various cell lines, as well as after implantation. After injection into the blastocyst, it is characterized by its ability to contribute to most if not all tissues.

  Stem cells have, by virtue of developmental capacity, (1) totipotency, meaning that they have the ability to generate all embryonic or extraembryonic cell types, and (2) the ability to generate all embryonic cell types. Pluripotent, meaning to have, (3) pluripotent (eg, hematopoietic stem cells (HSC)) with the ability to generate a subset of all cell lineages within a particular tissue, organ, or physiological system Can produce HSC (self-renewing), blood cell-restricted progenitor cells, and all cell types and elements that are normal components of blood (eg, platelets), (4) pluripotent stem cells Means having the ability to generate a more limited subset of cell lines, and (5) has the ability to generate a single cell line (eg, spermatogonial stem cells), Classified as differentiated unity.

  Differentiation is the process by which unspecialized ("undifferentiated") or relatively unspecialized cells acquire the characteristics of specialized cells such as, for example, nerve cells or muscle cells. Differentiated cells or cells that have been induced to differentiate are cells that have chosen a more specialized ("differentiated") position within the cell line. The term "differentiated determined" when applied to the differentiation process has progressed in the differentiation pathway to a point where it continues to differentiate into a specific cell type or a subset of cell types under normal circumstances, Refers to cells that cannot differentiate into different cell types below or return to poorly differentiated cell types. Dedifferentiation refers to the process of returning a cell to a less specialized (or determined to differentiate) position within a cell lineage. As used herein, cell lineage defines the inheritance of a cell, that is, from which cell the cell came and from which cell it can be generated. A cell line positions the cell within the genetic scheme of development and differentiation. Lineage-specific markers refer to characteristics that are specifically associated with the phenotype of cells of the lineage of interest and can be used to assess the differentiation of cells that have not been determined to differentiate into the lineage of interest. .

  As used herein, “cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm system”, or “stage 1 cells”, or “stage 1” are the following markers: SOX-17, GATA4, At least one of HNF-3β, GSC, CER1, Nodal, FGF8, Brachyury, Mix-like homeobox protein, FGF4 CD48, eomedermin (EOMES), DKK4, FGF17, GATA6, CXCR4, C-Kit, CD99 or OTX2. Refers to an expressing cell. Examples of cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm system include primitive streak precursor cells, primitive streak cells, mesendoderm cells, and definitive endoderm cells.

  As used herein, “a cell expressing a marker characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm system” refers to at least one of the following markers: PDX1, HNF-1β, PTF1α, HNF6, or HB9. Refers to an expressing cell. Cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage include pancreatic endoderm cells, gastrointestinal tract cells, and posterior foregut cells.

  As used herein, “cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine system” include the following markers: NEUROD, ISL1, PDX1, NKX6.1, MAFB, insulin, glucagon or somatostatin. It refers to a cell expressing at least one of them. Cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine system include pancreatic endocrine cells, pancreatic hormone-expressing cells, pancreatic hormone-secreting cells, and β-cell lineage cells.

  As used herein, “definitive endoderm” refers to cells that originate from the upper blastoder layer during gastrulation and retain the characteristics of the cells forming the gastrointestinal tract and its derivatives. The definitive endoderm cells express the following markers: HNF3β, GATA4, SOX17, Cerberus, OTX2, googlesec, C-Kit, CD99, and MIXL1.

  As used herein, a “marker” is a nucleic acid or polypeptide molecule that is differentially expressed in a cell of interest. In this context, differential expression means an increase in the level of positive markers and a decrease in the level of negative markers. Since the detectable level of the marker nucleic acid or polypeptide is sufficiently high or low in the cell of interest compared to other cells, any of various methods known in the art can be used. Cells can be identified and distinguished from other cells.

  As used herein, “pancreatic endocrine cell” or “pancreatic hormone-expressing cell” refers to a cell that can express at least one of the following hormones: insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide. Point to.

  As used herein, “pancreatic endocrine precursor cells” refers to definitive endoderm that expresses NGN3 and can further differentiate into cells of the endocrine system, including but not limited to islet hormone-expressing cells. Refers to pluripotent cells of the system. Endocrine precursor cells cannot differentiate into many different cells, tissues and / or organ types as compared to poorly differentiated definitive endoderm cells such as PDX1-positive pancreatic endoderm cells.

  As used herein, “pancreatic hormone producing cell” refers to a cell capable of producing at least one of the following hormones: insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide.

  As used herein, “pancreatic hormone secreting cell” refers to a cell capable of secreting at least one of the following hormones: insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide.

Isolation, proliferation and culture of pluripotent stem cells Characterization of pluripotent stem cells Pluripotent stem cells are referred to as stage specific embryonic antigens (SSEA) 3 and 4, and Tra-1-60 and Tra-1-81 It expresses one or more of the markers detectable by the antibody (Thomson et al., Science 282: 1145, 1998). When pluripotent stem cells are differentiated in vitro, the expression of SSEA-4, Tra-1-60, and Tra-1-81 is lost (if present) and the expression of SSEA-1 is increased. Undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells typically have alkaline phosphatase activity, and after fixing the cells with 4% paraformaldehyde as described by the manufacturer (Vector Laboratories, Burlingame, Calif.) Can be detected by deploying using Vector Red. Undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells typically also express Oct-4 and TERT detected by RT-PCR.

  Another desirable phenotype of expanded pluripotent stem cells is the ability to differentiate into cells of all three germ layers: endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm tissue. The pluripotency of pluripotent stem cells is determined by, for example, injecting the cells into severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice and fixing the formed teratomas using 4% paraformaldehyde, then 3 It can be confirmed by histological examination for traces of cell types from one germ layer. Alternatively, pluripotency can be determined by forming embryoid bodies and evaluating the embryoid bodies for the presence of markers associated with the three germ layers.

  Proliferated pluripotent stem cell lines can be karyotyped using standard G-band methods and compared to the published karyotype of the corresponding primate species. The cells desirably have a “normal karyotype”, which means that the cells are euploid, have all human chromosomes, and have no noticeable alteration.

Sources of pluripotent stem cells The types of pluripotent stem cells that may be used include any time during pregnancy (although not required, but typically before about 10-12 weeks of gestation) Cell lines of pluripotent cells derived from tissues formed after pregnancy, including pre-embryonic tissues (such as blastocysts), embryonic tissues, or fetal tissues. Non-limiting examples are human embryonic stem cells, such as human embryonic stem cell lines H1, H7 and H9 (WiCell) or cell lines of human embryonic germ cells. It is also conceivable to use the composition of the present disclosure in the initial establishment or stabilization of such cells, in which case the source cells are harvested directly from the source tissue. The next pluripotent cell. Also suitable are cells harvested from a pluripotent stem cell population already cultured in the absence of feeder cells. For example, mutant human embryonic stem cell lines such as BG01v (BresaGen, Athens, GA) are also suitable.

  In one embodiment, human embryonic stem cells are obtained from Thomson et al. (US Pat. No. 5,843,780, Science 282: 1145, 1998, Curr. Top. Dev. Biol. 38: 133 ff., 1998, Proc. Natl. Acad.Sci.U.S.A. 92: 7844, 1995).

Culture of Pluripotent Stem Cells In one embodiment, pluripotent stem cells are typically cultured on a layer of feeder cells that support the pluripotent stem cells in a variety of ways. Alternatively, pluripotent stem cells are cultured in a culture system that is essentially free of feeder cells but nevertheless undergoes substantial differentiation and supports the growth of pluripotent stem cells. Undifferentiated growth of pluripotent stem cells in feeder-free medium is supported using media conditioned by previous culturing in another cell type. Alternatively, undifferentiated growth of pluripotent stem cells in feeder-free medium is supported using a synthetic medium.

  For example, Rebinoff et al. (Nature Biotechnology 18: 399-404 (2000)) and Thompson et al. (Science 6 November 1998: vol. 282, no. 5391, pp. 1451 to 1147) are feeder cells of mouse embryonic fibroblasts. The culture of pluripotent stem cell lines from human blastocysts using layers is disclosed.

  Richards et al. (Stem Cells 21: 546-556, 2003) are evaluating the ability to support human pluripotent stem cell culture for 11 different human adult, fetal, and neonatal feeder cell layers. Richards et al. States that "The human embryonic stem cell line cultured on adult dermal fibroblast feeder cells has the morphology of human embryonic stem cells and maintains pluripotency."

  US Patent Publication No. 20020072117 discloses a cell line that produces a medium that supports the growth of primate pluripotent stem cells in a feeder-free culture. The cell lines used are mesenchymal cell lines obtained from embryonic tissue or differentiated from embryonic stem cells, and fibroblast-like cell lines. US Patent Publication No. 20020072117 also discloses the use of a cell line as the primary feeder cell layer.

  In another example, Wang et al. (Stem Cells 23: 1221-1227, 2005) disclose a method for long-term proliferation of human pluripotent stem cells on a feeder cell layer derived from human embryonic stem cells. .

  In another example, Stojkovic et al. (Stem Cells 2005 23: 306-314, 2005) discloses a feeder cell system derived from spontaneous differentiation of human embryonic stem cells.

  In a further example, Miyamoto et al. (Stem Cells 22: 433-440, 2004) discloses a feeder cell source obtained from human placenta.

  Amit et al. (Biol. Reprod 68: 2150-2156, 2003) discloses a feeder cell layer derived from human foreskin.

  In another example, Inzunza et al. (Stem Cells 23: 544-549, 2005) discloses a feeder cell layer from human postnatal foreskin fibroblasts.

  US Pat. No. 6,642,048 discloses a medium that supports the growth of primate pluripotent stem (pPS) cells in feeder-free culture and cells useful for the production of such a medium. US Pat. No. 6,642,048, “The present invention includes mesenchymal and fibroblast-like cell lines obtained from embryonic tissue or differentiated from embryonic stem cells. In this disclosure, such cell lines are derived. And describes and illustrates a method for preparing a medium and growing stem cells using this conditioned medium. "

  In another example, International Patent Application Publication No. WO2005014799 discloses a conditioned medium for the maintenance, growth and differentiation of mammalian cells. WO 2005014799 states that “the medium made according to the present invention is conditioned by the cell secretory activity of mouse cells, in particular differentiated and immortalized transgenic hepatocytes called MMH (Met mouse hepatocytes)”. ing.

  In another example, Xu et al. (Stem Cells 22: 972-980, 2004) disclose conditioned media obtained from human embryonic stem cell-derived cell derivatives that have been genetically modified to overexpress human telomerase reverse transcriptase. doing.

  In another example, US Patent Application Publication No. 2007010011 discloses a synthetic medium for maintaining pluripotent stem cells.

  An alternative culture system uses a serum-free medium supplemented with growth factors that can promote the growth of embryonic stem cells. For example, Cheon et al. (BioReprod DOI: 10.1095 / bioreprod. 105.046870, Oct. 19, 2005) discloses a feeder-free, serum-free culture system wherein embryonic stem cells are capable of self-renewal of embryonic stem cells. Maintained in non-serum replacement (SR) medium supplemented with different growth factors that can be induced.

  In another example, Levenstein et al. (Stem Cells 24: 568-574, 2006) describes a method of culturing embryonic stem cells for a long period of time using a medium supplemented with bFGF in the absence of fibroblasts or conditioned medium. Is disclosed.

  In another example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 20050148070 is a method for culturing human embryonic stem cells in a synthetic medium without serum and fibroblast feeder cells, wherein the method comprises albumin, amino acid, vitamin, Culturing stem cells in a medium containing mineral, at least one transferrin or transferrin substitute, at least one insulin or insulin substitute, wherein the medium is essentially free of mammalian fetal serum and contains fibers Containing at least about 100 ng / mL of fibroblast growth factor, which is also supplied from a source other than the blast feeder layer and is capable of activating fibroblast growth factor signaling receptors, the medium comprising feeder cells Or those that support the growth of undifferentiated stem cells without conditioned media

  In another example, US Patent Application Publication No. 200502233446 discloses a synthetic medium useful for culturing stem cells containing undifferentiated primate primordial stem cells. The medium in solution is substantially isotonic compared to the cultured stem cells. In a given culture, a particular medium contains a basal medium and each of a certain amount of bFGF, insulin, and ascorbic acid necessary to support the growth of substantially undifferentiated progenitor stem cells.

  In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,800,600 states, “In one embodiment, a substantially osmotic, low endotoxin basal medium effective in supporting the growth of primate-derived primordial stem cells is substantially A cell culture medium is provided for growing primate-derived primate stem cells in a differentiated state, wherein the basal medium is effective in supporting the growth of primate-derived primordial stem cells, as well as feeder cells and feeder cells. Combined with a substrate selected from the group consisting of extracellular matrix components derived from, the medium further comprising a non-essential amino acid, an antioxidant, and a first growth factor selected from the group consisting of nucleosides and pyruvate "It has said.

  In another example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20050244942 states, “In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of culturing primate embryonic stem cells. Essentially free of mammalian fetal serum (essentially The stem cells are preferably cultured in a culture medium in the presence of fibroblast growth factor supplied from a source other than the fibroblast feeder layer in a culture medium, which is preferably free of any animal serum. The addition of fibroblast growth factor eliminates the need for a fibroblast feeder layer previously required to maintain stem cell culture. "

  In a further example, WO2005065354 is a synthetic isotonic medium essentially free of feeders and serum, the medium comprising a. A basic medium, b. An amount of bFGF sufficient to support the growth of substantially undifferentiated mammalian stem cells, c. An amount of insulin sufficient to support the growth of substantially undifferentiated mammalian stem cells, d. A synthetic isotonic medium containing an amount of ascorbic acid sufficient to support the growth of substantially undifferentiated mammalian stem cells is disclosed.

  In another example, WO2005086845 is a method for maintaining undifferentiated stem cells, which comprises transforming the stem cells into a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family protein, fibroblasts Exposure to a member of the cell growth factor (FGF) family protein, or nicotinamide (NIC), in an amount sufficient to maintain the cells in an undifferentiated state for a time sufficient to achieve the desired result. Including a method.

  Pluripotent stem cells may be seeded on a suitable culture substrate. In one embodiment, suitable culture substrates are extracellular matrix components, such as those derived from the basement membrane or those that can form part of an adhesion molecule receptor-ligand bond. In one embodiment, a suitable culture substrate is MATRIGEL® (Becton Dickenson). MATRIGEL® is a soluble formulation from Engelbreth-Holm Swarm tumor cells that gels at room temperature to form a reconstituted basement membrane.

  Other extracellular matrix components and component mixtures are suitable as an alternative. Depending on the cell type being grown, this may include laminin, fibronectin, proteoglycan, entactin, heparan sulfate, and the like, alone or in various combinations.

  Pluripotent stem cells may be seeded on the substrate in the presence of a medium that promotes cell survival, proliferation, and maintenance of desired characteristics, and in a suitable distribution. All of these features can be gained by paying close attention to the sowing distribution and can be readily determined by those skilled in the art.

  Suitable media include the following components, for example Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM), Gibco # 11965-092; Knockout Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (KO DMEM), Gibco # 10829-018; Ham F12 / 50% DMEM Basic Medium; 200 mM L-glutamine, Gibco # 15039-027; non-essential amino acid solution, Gibco # 11140-050; β-mercaptoethanol, Sigma # M7522; human recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), Gibco # 13256-029, etc. It can also be prepared from

Formation of pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for producing pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells comprising:
a. Culturing pluripotent stem cells,
b. Differentiating pluripotent stem cells into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage,
c. Differentiating cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage,
d. A method comprising the step of differentiating cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm system into pancreatic endocrine precursor cells.

  Suitable pluripotent stem cells for use in the present invention include, for example, human embryonic stem cell line H9 (NIH code: WA09), human embryonic stem cell line H1 (NIH code: WA01), human embryonic stem cell line H7 ( NIH code: WA07), and human embryonic stem cell line SA002 (Cellartis, Sweden). The following markers characteristic of pluripotent cells: ABCG2, CRIPTO, CD9, FOXD3, connexin 43, connexin 45, OCT4, SOX2, Nanog, hTERT, UTF-1, ZFP42, SSEA-3, SSEA-4, Cells expressing at least one of Tra 1-60 or Tra 1-81 are also suitable for use in the present invention.

  Markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm system are SOX17, GATA4, HNF3β, GSC, CER1, Nodal, FGF8, short tail malformation, Mix-like homeobox protein, FGF4 CD48, Eomesodermin (EOMES), DKK4, FGF17, GATA6, Selected from the group consisting of CXCR4, C-Kit, CD99, and OTX2. Cells expressing at least one of the markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm system are suitable for use in the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cell expressing a marker characteristic of the definitive endoderm system is a primitive streak precursor cell. In another aspect, the cell expressing a marker characteristic of the definitive endoderm system is a mesendoderm cell. In another aspect, the cell expressing a marker characteristic of the definitive endoderm system is a definitive endoderm cell.

  Markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm system are selected from the group consisting of PDX1, HNF1β, HNF6, HB9 and PROX1. Cells expressing at least one of these markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm system are suitable for use in the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cell expressing a marker characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm system is a pancreatic endoderm cell.

  Markers characteristic of pancreatic endocrine precursor cells are selected from the group consisting of NGN3, NKX6.1, NeuroD, ISL1, PDX1, PAX4, NKX2.2, or ARX. Suitable cells for use in the present invention are cells that express at least one marker characteristic of pancreatic endocrine precursor cells.

Formation of cells expressing markers characteristic of definitive endoderm lineage Pluripotent stem cells can be produced by any method in the art or by any method proposed in the present invention. Can be differentiated into cells expressing.

  For example, pluripotent stem cells can be differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage according to the method disclosed by D'Amour et al. (D'Amour et al., Nature Biotechnology 23, 1534-1541 (2005)).

  For example, pluripotent stem cells can be differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage according to the method disclosed in Shinozaki et al. Development 131, 1651-1662 (2004).

  For example, pluripotent stem cells can be differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of definitive endoderm lineage according to the method disclosed in McLean et al., Stem Cells 25, 29-38 (2007).

  For example, pluripotent stem cells can be differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage according to the method disclosed by D'Amour et al. (D'Amour et al., Nature Biotechnology 24, 1392 to 1401 (2006)).

  For example, pluripotent stem cells are cultured in media containing activin A in the absence of serum, then the cells are cultured with activin A and serum, and then the cells are activated at different concentrations of activin A and By culturing with serum, it can be differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage. An example of this method is disclosed in Nature Biotechnology 23, 1534-1541 (2005).

  For example, pluripotent stem cells can be obtained by culturing pluripotent stem cells in a medium containing activin A in the absence of serum and then culturing the cells with another concentration of activin A containing serum. Can be differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage. An example of this method is disclosed in Nature Biotechnology, 2005 by D'Amour et al.

  For example, pluripotent stem cells are cultured in a medium containing activin A and Wnt ligand in the absence of serum, then the Wnt ligand is removed and the cells are cultured with activin A containing serum. By doing so, it can be differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage. An example of this method is disclosed in Nature Biotechnology 24, 1392-1401 (2006).

  For example, pluripotent stem cells are available from LifeScan, Inc. Differentiation into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm system by treating pluripotent stem cells according to the method disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 736,908 assigned to US Pat. it can.

  For example, pluripotent stem cells are available from LifeScan, Inc. Differentiation into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm system by treating pluripotent stem cells according to the method disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 779,311 assigned to it can.

  For example, pluripotent stem cells can be transformed into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm system by treating pluripotent stem cells according to the method disclosed in US Patent Application No. 60 / 990,529. Can be differentiated.

  For example, pluripotent stem cells can be transformed into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm system by treating the pluripotent stem cells according to the method disclosed in US Patent Application No. 61 / 076,889. Can be differentiated.

  For example, pluripotent stem cells can be processed into cells that express markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm system by treating the pluripotent stem cells according to the method disclosed in US Patent Application No. 61 / 076,900. Can be differentiated.

  For example, pluripotent stem cells can be transformed into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm system by treating the pluripotent stem cells according to the method disclosed in US Patent Application No. 61 / 076,908. Can be differentiated.

  For example, pluripotent stem cells can be transformed into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm system by treating the pluripotent stem cells according to the method disclosed in US Patent Application No. 61 / 076,915. Can be differentiated.

Characterization of cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm system The formation of cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm system can be determined by testing for the presence of the marker before and after the following specific protocols: Can be determined. Pluripotent stem cells typically do not express such markers. Thus, differentiation of pluripotent cells is detected when the cells start their expression.

  The efficiency of differentiation is measured by exposing the treated cell population to an agent (eg, an antibody, etc.) that specifically recognizes a protein marker expressed by a cell that expresses a marker characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage. obtain.

  Methods for assessing the expression of protein and nucleic acid markers in cultured or isolated cells are standard in the art. These methods include quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Northern blot, in situ hybridization (see, eg, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (edited by Ausubel et al., 2001 supplement)), As well as immunoassays such as immunohistochemical analysis of section material, Western blotting, and flow cytometric analysis (FACS) for markers available on complete cells (eg, Harlow and Lane, Using Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, New York: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press (1998)).

  The characteristics of pluripotent stem cells are well known to those skilled in the art, and further characteristics of pluripotent stem cells continue to be identified. As markers of pluripotent stem cells, for example, the following: ABCG2, clipto, FOXD3, CONNEXIN43, CONNEXIN45, OCT4, SOX2, Nanog, hTERT, UTF1, ZFP42, SSEA-3, SSEA-4, Tra 1-60, Tra One or more expression of 1-81 may be mentioned.

  After treating pluripotent stem cells by the method of the present invention, an agent that specifically recognizes a protein marker such as CXCR4 expressed by a cell that expresses a marker characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage (for example, an antibody or the like) The differentiated cells can be purified by exposing the treated cell population.

Formation of cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm system from cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm system Cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage are The cells can be differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage by any method or any method proposed in the present invention.

  For example, cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage can be expressed according to the method disclosed in D'Amour et al., Nature Biotechnology 24, 1392-1401 (2006). Differentiate into expressing cells.

  For example, cells expressing a marker characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage are expressed as fibroblast growth factor and hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitor KAAD. -After treatment with cyclopamine, by removing the medium containing fibroblast growth factor and KAAD-cyclopamine and subsequently culturing the cells in a medium containing retinoic acid, fibroblast growth factor and KAAD-cyclopamine They are further differentiated into cells that express markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage. An example of this method is disclosed in Nature Biotechnology 24, 1392-1401 (2006).

  In one aspect of the present invention, LifeScan, Inc. By treating cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage with retinoic acid and at least one fibroblast growth factor for a predetermined time according to US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 736,908 assigned to US Pat. The cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage are further differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage.

  In one aspect of the present invention, LifeScan, Inc. By treating cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage with retinoic acid and at least one fibroblast growth factor for a predetermined time according to US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 779,311 assigned to The cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage are further differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage.

  In one aspect of the invention, the cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage are treated according to the method described in US Patent Application No. 60 / 990,529 to characterize the pancreatic endoderm lineage. The cells expressing a marker characteristic of the definitive endoderm system are further differentiated into cells expressing a specific marker.

Characterization of cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage Markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage are well known to those skilled in the art, and additional markers that are characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage will continue Have been identified. These markers can be used to confirm that cells treated according to the present invention have differentiated and acquired the properties characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage. Examples of markers specific to the pancreatic endoderm system include expression of one or more transcription factors such as HLXB9, PTF-1α, PDX1, HNF6, and HNF-1β.

  The efficiency of differentiation is determined by exposing the treated cell population to agents that specifically recognize protein markers expressed by cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage (eg, antibodies, etc.). Can be measured.

  Methods for assessing the expression of protein and nucleic acid markers in cultured or isolated cells are standard in the art. These include quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Northern blot, in situ hybridization (see, eg, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (edited by Ausubel et al., 2001 supplement), as well as immunoassays, For example, immunohistochemical analysis of section material, Western blotting, and flow cytometric analysis (FACS) for markers available in complete cells (eg, Harlow and Lane, Using Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, New York: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) Press (1998)).

Formation of pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells from cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine system In one embodiment of the present invention, cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm system are factors having BMP inhibitory ability And by culturing cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm system in a medium supplemented with a TGF-β receptor I kinase inhibitor, the cells are differentiated into pancreatic endocrine precursor cells.

  In one embodiment, the factor capable of inhibiting BMP is Noggin. Noggin can be used at a concentration of about 100 pg / mL to about 500 μg / mL. In one embodiment, noggin is used at a concentration of 100 ng / mL.

  In one embodiment, the TGF-β receptor I kinase inhibitor is ALK5 inhibitor II (Calbiochem, Ca). ALK5 inhibitor II may be used at a concentration of about 0.1 μM to about 10 μM. In one embodiment, ALK5 inhibitor II is used at a concentration of 1 μM.

  In one embodiment, the medium is DMEM containing 4500 mg / L glucose and 1% B27.

  In one embodiment, the cells are cultured in the medium for 4 days.

  Differentiation efficiency can be determined by exposing the treated cell population to an agent (eg, an antibody) that specifically recognizes a protein marker expressed by pancreatic endocrine precursor cells.

  Methods for assessing the expression of protein and nucleic acid markers in cultured or isolated cells are standard in the art. These methods include quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Northern blot, in situ hybridization (see, eg, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (edited by Ausubel et al., 2001 supplement)), and Immunoassays such as immunohistochemical analysis of section material, Western blotting, and flow cytometric analysis (FACS) for markers available in whole cells (eg, Harlow and Lane, Using Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, New York: Cold Spring: Harbor Laboratory Press (1998)).

  The characteristics of pluripotent stem cells are well known to those skilled in the art, and further characteristics of pluripotent stem cells are continually identified. As markers of pluripotent stem cells, for example, the following: ABCG2, clipto, FOXD3, CONNEXIN43, CONNEXIN45, OCT4, SOX2, Nanog, hTERT, UTF1, ZFP42, SSEA-3, SSEA-4, Tra 1-60, Tra One or more expression of 1-81 may be mentioned.

  After treating pluripotent stem cells with the method of the present invention, the treated cell population specifically recognizes a protein marker (eg, CXCR4) expressed by cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm system Differentiated cells can be purified by exposure to (such as antibodies).

  Markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm system are selected from the group consisting of PDX1, HNF-1β, PTF1α, HNF6, HB9 and PROX1. Cells expressing at least one of these markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm system are suitable for use in the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cell expressing a marker characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm system is a pancreatic endoderm cell.

  A marker characteristic of pancreatic endocrine precursor cells is selected from the group consisting of NGN3, NKX6.1, NEUROD, ISL1, PDX1, PAX4, NKX2.2, PAX6 or ARX.

Formation of a cell expressing a marker characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine system from a pancreatic endocrine precursor cell In one embodiment, a pancreatic endocrine precursor cell produced by the method of the present invention is expressed by expressing a marker characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine system. It may be further differentiated into cells.

  Pancreatic endocrine precursor cells can be differentiated into cells that express markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine system by any method in the art or any method proposed in the present invention.

  For example, pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells obtained according to the method of the present invention are cultured in a medium containing exendin 4, and then the medium containing exendin 4 is removed, By further culturing in a medium containing Din 1, IGF-1 and HGF, the cells are further differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine system. An example of this method is disclosed in D'Amour et al., Nature Biotechnology, 2006.

  For example, pancreatic endocrine precursor cells obtained according to the method of the present invention are characterized in the pancreatic endocrine system by culturing pancreatic endocrine precursor cells in a medium containing DAPT (Sigma-Aldrich, MO) and exendin 4. Further differentiate into cells expressing the appropriate marker. An example of this method is disclosed in Nature Biotechnology, 2006 by D'Amour et al.

  For example, by culturing pancreatic endocrine precursor cells obtained according to the method of the present invention in a medium containing exendin 4, the cells are further expressed into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine system. Differentiate. An example of this method is disclosed in Nature Biotechnology, 2006 by D'Amour et al.

  For example, pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells obtained according to the method of the present invention are pancreatic endocrine with a factor that inhibits the Notch signaling pathway according to the method disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 736,908 (assigned to LifeScan, Inc.). By treating the progenitor cells, the cells are further differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine system.

  For example, pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells obtained according to the method of the present invention are pancreatic endocrine with a factor that inhibits the Notch signaling pathway according to the method disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 779,311 (assigned to LifeScan, Inc.). By treating the progenitor cells, the cells are further differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine system.

  For example, pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells obtained according to the method of the present invention are pancreatic endocrine with a factor that inhibits the Notch signaling pathway according to the method disclosed in US Patent Application No. 60 / 953,178 (assigned to LifeScan, Inc.). By treating the progenitor cells, the cells are further differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine system.

  For example, pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells obtained according to the method of the present invention are pancreatic endocrine with a factor that inhibits the Notch signaling pathway according to the method disclosed in US Patent Application No. 60 / 990,529 (assigned to LifeScan, Inc.). By treating the progenitor cells, the cells are further differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine system.

  Markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine system are selected from the group consisting of NEUROD, ISL1, PDX1, NKX6.1, PAX4, PAX6, NGN3 and NKX2.2. In one embodiment, pancreatic endocrine cells can express at least one of the following hormones: insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide. Suitable for use in the present invention are cells that express at least one marker that is characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine system. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cell expressing a marker characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine system is a pancreatic endocrine cell. Pancreatic endocrine cells may be pancreatic hormone-expressing cells. The pancreatic endocrine cells may be pancreatic hormone secreting cells.

  In one aspect of the invention, pancreatic endocrine cells are cells that express markers characteristic of the β cell line. Cells expressing markers characteristic of the β cell line are PDX1, and at least one of the following transcription factors: NGN3, NKX2.2, NKX6.1, NEUROD, ISL1, HNF3β, MAFA, PAX4, and PAX6 Express one. In one aspect of the invention, the cells expressing markers characteristic of the β cell line are β cells.

Treatment In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating a patient suffering from or at risk for developing type I diabetes. In one embodiment, the method includes culturing pluripotent stem cells, differentiating the pluripotent stem cells into a β cell line in vitro, and transplanting cells of the β cell line to a patient. In an alternative embodiment, the method includes culturing pluripotent stem cells, differentiating the pluripotent stem cells into pancreatic endocrine precursor cells in vitro, and transplanting the pancreatic endocrine precursor cells into a patient. .

  In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating a patient suffering from or at risk for developing type II diabetes. In one embodiment, the method includes culturing pluripotent stem cells, differentiating the pluripotent stem cells into a β cell line in vitro, and transplanting cells of the β cell line to a patient. In an alternative embodiment, the method includes culturing pluripotent stem cells, differentiating the pluripotent stem cells into pancreatic endocrine precursor cells in vitro, and transplanting the pancreatic endocrine precursor cells into a patient. .

  If appropriate, the patient may be further treated with a pharmaceutical or bioactive substance that enhances the survival and function of the transplanted cells. These agents include, for example, insulin, TGF-β family members including TGF-β1, 2, and 3, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP-2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7, among others). -11, -12, and -13), fibroblast growth factor-1 and -2, platelet-derived growth factor-AA and -BB, platelet-rich plasma, insulin growth factor (IGF-I, II), proliferative differentiation Factors (GDF-5, -6, -7, -8, -10, -15), vascular endothelium-derived growth factor (VEGF), pleiotrophin, endothelin may be included. Other pharmaceutical compounds include, for example, nicotinamide, glucagon-like peptide-I (GLP-1) and II, GLP-1 and 2 mimetics, exendin-4, retinoic acid, parathyroid hormone, such as published US patent applications And MAPK inhibitors such as the compounds disclosed in 2004/0209901 and 2004/0132729.

  Pluripotent stem cells may be differentiated into insulin producing cells prior to transplantation into the recipient. In a special embodiment, pluripotent stem cells are fully differentiated into β cells prior to transplantation into the recipient. Alternatively, pluripotent stem cells may be transplanted into a recipient in an undifferentiated state or partially differentiated state. Further differentiation may be performed within the recipient.

  Definitive endoderm cells, or alternatively pancreatic endoderm cells, or β cells may be implanted as dispersed cells or formed as clusters that can be injected into the hepatic portal vein. Alternatively, the cells may be provided in a biocompatible degradable polymer support, a porous non-degradable device, or encapsulated to be protected from a host immune response. Examples of implantation sites include the liver, natural pancreas, subrenal space, net, peritoneum, subserosa space, intestine, stomach, or subcutaneous pocket.

  In order to improve further differentiation, survival or activity of the implanted cells, additional factors such as growth factors, antioxidants or anti-inflammatory agents are administered before, simultaneously with or after administration of the cells. May be. In appropriate embodiments, growth factors are used to differentiate the administered cells in vivo. These factors may be secreted by endogenous cells and exposed to the administered cells in situ. The implanted cells can also be induced to differentiate by any combination of endogenous and exogenous growth factors known in the art.

  The amount of cells used for implantation can be determined by those skilled in the art based on a number of different factors, including the patient's condition and response to therapy.

  In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating a patient suffering from or at risk for developing diabetes. The method comprises culturing pluripotent stem cells, differentiating the cultured cells into a β cell line in vitro, and embedding the cells in a three-dimensional support. Cells may be maintained in vitro on this support prior to implantation in a patient. Alternatively, the support containing the cells may be implanted directly into the patient without further culturing in vitro. The support may optionally incorporate at least one pharmaceutical agent that enhances the survival and function of the implanted cells.

  Support materials suitable for use for the purposes of the present invention include tissue templates, conduits, barriers and reservoirs useful for tissue repair. More particularly, synthetic and natural materials having the form of foams, sponges, gels, hydrogels, wovens, and non-woven structures, used in vitro and in vivo to reconstruct or regenerate biological tissue, and Materials that deliver chemotactic agents to induce tissue growth are suitable for use in the practice of the methods of the invention. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,770,417, 6,022,743, 5,567,612, 5,759,830, 6,626,950, 6,534,084, 6,306,424, 6,365,149, 6,599,323, 6,656,488, US Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / See the materials disclosed in 0062753 (A1), US Pat. Nos. 4,557,264 and 6,333,029.

  To form a support incorporating the pharmaceutical product, the drug can be mixed with the polymer solution prior to forming the support. Alternatively, the medicament may be coated on the processed support, preferably in the presence of a pharmaceutical carrier. The medicament may exist as a liquid, a finely divided solid, or any other suitable physical form. Alternatively, excipients may be added to the support to alter the drug release rate. In another embodiment, at least one pharmaceutical compound that is an anti-inflammatory compound (eg, a compound disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,509,369) is incorporated into a support.

  The support may be incorporated with at least one pharmaceutical compound that is an anti-apoptotic compound, such as the compounds disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,793,945.

  The support may be incorporated with at least one pharmaceutical compound that is a fibrosis inhibitor, such as the compounds disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,331,298.

  The support may be incorporated with at least one pharmaceutical compound capable of promoting angiogenesis, such as those disclosed in US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2004/0220393 and 2004/0209901.

  The support may be incorporated with at least one pharmaceutical compound that is an immunosuppressive compound, eg, a compound disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0171623.

  The support is, for example, a member of the TGF-β family, including TGF-β1, 2, and 3, for example, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP-2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7,- 11, -12, and -13), fibroblast growth factor-1 and -2, platelet-derived growth factor-AA and -BB, platelet-rich plasma, insulin growth factor (IGF-I, II), growth differentiation factor ( GDF-5, -6, -8, -10, -15), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), pleiotrophin, endothelin, etc. may be incorporated with at least one pharmaceutical compound. Other pharmaceutical compounds include, for example, nicotinamide, hypoxia-inducing factor 1-α, glucagon-like peptide-I (GLP-1), GLP-1 and GLP-2 mimetics, and II, exendin 4, nodal, noggin , NGF, retinoic acid, parathyroid hormone, tenascin-C, tropoelastin, thrombin-derived peptides, cellic and heparin-binding domains of adherent extracellular matrix proteins such as cathelicidin, defensin, laminin, fibronectin and vitronectin Mention may be made of peptides, for example MAPK inhibitors such as the compounds disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2004/0209901 and 2004/0132729.

  Incorporation of the cells of the invention into the scaffold can be accomplished by simply depositing the cells on the scaffold. Cells can enter the scaffold simply by diffusion (J. Pediatr. Surg. 23 (1 Pt 2): 3-9 (1988)). Several other approaches have been developed to improve the efficiency of cell seeding. For example, spinner flasks were used when seeding chondrocytes on polyglycolic acid scaffolds (Biotechnol. Prog. 14 (2): 193-202 (1998)). Another technique for cell seeding is the use of centrifugation, which minimizes stress on the seeded cells and increases seeding efficiency. For example, Yang et al. Developed a cell seeding method called the Centrifugal Cell Fixation Method (CCI) (J. Biomed. Mater. Res. 55 (3): 379-86 (2001)).

  The present invention will be further explained by the following examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

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Human embryonic stem cell line H1 cells were cultured on plates coated with MATRIGEL (1:30 dilution) and differentiated into pancreatic endocrine precursor cells using the following protocol:
a. 2% BSA (Catalog # 152401, MP Biomedical, Ohio), 100 ng / mL Activin A (R & D Systems, MN), 20 ng / mL WNT-3a (Catalog # 1324-WN-002, R & D Systems) , MN) and 8 ng / mL bFGF (Catalog # 100-18B, PeproTech, NJ) and cultured for 1 day in RPMI medium (Catalog # 22400, Invitrogen, Ca), 2% BSA, 100 ng / mL Treatment with RPMI medium supplemented with activin A, 8 ng / mL bFGF for 2 days (step 1), then b. Incubate for 3 days in DMEM / F12 (Cat. No. 11330, Invitrogen, Ca) supplemented with 2% BSA and 50 ng / mL FGF7 (step 2), then c. 1% B27 (# 17504-044, Invitrogen, CA), 50 ng / mL FGF7, 0.25 μM cyclopamine-KAAD (# 239804, Calbiochem, CA), 2 μM retinoic acid (RA) (Sigma, MO) and Incubate for 4 days using different basal media as described in Table 1 supplemented with 100 ng / mL Noggin (R & D Systems, MN) (step 3), then d. Over 3 days using different basal media as described in Table 1 supplemented with 1% B27 (Invitrogen, CA), 100 ng / mL Noggin and 1 μM ALK5 inhibitor II (Catalog # 616452, Calbiochem, Ca) Cultured (stage 4).

  Publications cited throughout this specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. While various aspects of the invention have been described with reference to examples and preferred embodiments, the scope of the invention is not limited to the above description, but is construed as appropriate under the principles of patent law. It will be appreciated that it is defined by the claims.

Claims (1)

  A method for lowering blood glucose levels in an animal by transplanting the encapsulated population of pancreatic endocrine precursor cells into the animal.

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